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Sunday, 16 August 2015

Kate's First State Banquet? A Wedding in Devon & More

We're back sooner than expected with a story I simply couldn't wait to share with you. Whilst browsing through my Twitter feed I was delighted to see this tweet.

Cepe Smith Twitter Feed

That's right. The Sunday Times reports the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the State Banquet (with many thanks to Cepe Smith) More from Roya Nikkhah's article:

'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the banquet with the Queen and Prince Philip. The duke visited China earlier this year, a trip which was widely concluded to have improved relations between the country and the Royal family.'

While the couple's attendance has not been confirmed by the Palace, Ms Nikkhah is one of the most reliable royal reporters at present, breaking stories such as the news Prince William would be returning to flying and joining the East Anglian Air Ambulance, to more recent stories including word over more Prince George appearances during the summer. The article also reports Prince Charles will participate in the state visit, "despite his refusal to visit China over the years because of the regime's treatment of Tibet and China's human rights record", however, the first-in-line is not expected to attend the banquet.

'It is understood that he will join the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to receive the Chinese delegation at Horse Guards Parade and is expected to attend the arrival lunch at Buckingham Palace.

He is also likely to receive Chinese officials at Clarence House, his official residence, but is not expected to attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace to be held in honour of the president.'

I have heard whispers William and Kate would attend for the last couple of months. It would seem the ideal occasion for the couple - who will be married five years next April - to make their State Banquet debut. Prince William undertook a successful trip to China in March and personally invited President Xi Jinping to make a state visit. During their conversation, the president asked about Kate and George before praising the Royal family: "The British Royal family has great influence not just in Britain but across the world."

PA

Given the fact William issued the invite, it's wholly appropriate and indeed diplomatic William and his wife will be there. No doubt these are factors the Queen took into consideration when deciding if the couple should join her at the banquet. As the future king and queen, such events will become part of their annual schedule and I think it an excellent time for them to begin attending them alongside Her Majesty.

Of course, you'll all remember the Duchess participated in a state visit for the very first time last year, welcoming President Tony Tan Keng Yam of Singapore and his wife Mary Chee Bee Kiang at the start of a four-day state visit to Britain. Kate selected an Alexander McQueen bespoke plaid coat-dress for the event. It's very much a natural progression, one might say the next step, to attend a banquet.

Did I mentioned your faithful scribe is exceptionally excited about the banquet for one very special reason? It is a guaranteed TIARA APPEARANCE for the Duchess. We have only seen Kate sporting a tiara twice thus far: the Cartier Halo Tiara for her wedding in 2011, and the Papyrus tiara in 2013 for the Diplomatic Reception. Unfortunately we only saw a couple of arrival photos from that event.

We covered the history of both tiaras in depth for our Kate Loves: Tiaras post. A couple of points of interest: on both occasion Kate wore her hair in a half-up-half-down style and selected an Alexander McQueen gown. Which of the tiaras would you like to see Her Royal Highness wear for the state banquet? It's worth noting the Halo was actually on exhibition at the time of the Diplomatic Reception. I personally prefer the Papyrus, however, the combination of the Halo tiara with Kate's Robinson Pelham earrings is beautiful.

Order of Splendor

The Duchess will most likely choose Sarah Burton or Jenny Packham to create a suitable gown for the occasion. Aside from a tiara, it offers an opportune moment for Kate to showcase dazzling jewels. Below we see Her Majesty's and the Duchess of Cornwall's sparkling jewels at the state banquet in honour of the Irish president at Windsor Castle last year.

The British Monarchy Flickr

A look inside the banquet hall.

PA

To gain more insight into these events, there's a nine minute video from the state banquet in honour of the emir of Qatar in 2010 available at YouTube, it includes arrival shots and Her Majesty's speech.

We should hear official confirmation by the Palace about this in the coming weeks, along with specific dates. Are you excited about the event?

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Also today, we have a couple of stories from the Sunday papers. The Mail on Sunday reports William and Kate attended the wedding of their friends, amateur boxer Bear Maclean and Daisy Dickson, in the picturesque village of Thurlestone in Devon yesterday. Kate's sister Pippa was reportedly also in attendance.

Thurlestone via Wikipedia

More from the The Mail on Sunday article (a word of forewarning, in typical Daily Mail style much of the article focuses on Kate "reigning in William", his dwindling social life, "running decisions by the missus", et cetera).

'They could hardly have felt more at home. For when, yesterday afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the most discreetly arranged of high society weddings in the beautiful village of Thurlestone in Devon, the guest list included many of their closest circle.

Pippa Middleton, Kate’s sister, was there to see upmarket estate agent and amateur boxer Bear Maclaine marry pretty socialite Daisy Dickson, and so was TV presenter Natalie Pinkham. Indeed the guest list included many of the friends who gathered for William and Kate’s own marriage at Westminster Abbey four years ago.'

UPDATE: Another Daily Mail reporter Rebecca English believes Kate did not join William at the wedding.

Rebecca English Twitter Feed

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Katie Nicholl reports William and Kate will take George and Charlotte to Mustique in November with members of the Middleton family.

'Princess Charlotte is preparing for her first-ever holiday – but this is no mere trip to the seaside. Instead, she will be flying in the lap of luxury to the exclusive private island of Mustique to stay at the £13,000-a-week Aurora House.

The Duchess of Cambridge, her sister Pippa and their mother Carole have organised the trip, although the ‘Middleton men’ – Kate’s father Michael and her brother James – are yet to confirm if they will also be on the holiday, which is scheduled for November. Charlotte will be six months in November. When Prince George was the same age, William and Kate escaped to the Maldives to enjoy a week alone, leaving their son with the Middletons.

But a source said: ‘This time it’s too much to leave both children with her parents so William and Kate are taking the kids with them – and bringing Carole with them, too. They are really looking forward to a proper break.’

The group normally visit the paradise island each January for their annual holiday. Unless William and Kate have a royal commitment we haven't heard about that month, it would seem most unusual for them not to follow tradition. The couple are reportedly set to undertake a tour in spring 2016 which may be the reason they allegedly plan to holiday earlier than usual.

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Finally, we have a few retail updates on items worn by the Duchess. Kate's GOAT Redgrave Wool-Crepe is available in papaya at The Outnet reduced from £595 to £267. As of writing it comes in UK sizes 8 to 14. The garment is also available in fuchsia at Matches.

GOAT

Many will recall Kate wore the coat for a visit to Child Bereavement UK in 2013.

The elegant dress remains a staple in the DVF collection, coming in a vast array of colours and lengths. Below we see the stretch lace dress with 3/4 sleeves in a just-above-the-knee length. It retails for $368 and would be a stylish choice for the party season. It's available on the DVF website.

I think it would seem silly for Kate to be the only senior Royal at the banquet without a sash (order)or Royal order brooch. She has been a senior Royal for five years and has given birth to heirs to the throne so you think she would qualifiy.

And I agree that a recycled gown would seem really out of place for this occasion and that some substantial bling is required. I hope she wears the fringe tiara and a huge, dazzling necklace and comparable earrings. That banquet hall sort of demands that. It is grand.

Loving Jewelry as I do, I think it would be sort of an insult to the Royal Jewels to not start utilizing them more, you know what I mean? They have a PURPOSE, a HISTORY, and, they are gorgeous.

Kate can go all out. Camilla does, and she doesn't seem a bit concerned about possibly out bringing the Queen. I am so hopeful that Kate will be in one her "Let's wow them" moods rather than one of her conservative moods. She can make sartorial history for this and I hope, so very much hope she does. Give them something to remember Kate. You can do it.

Sartorial history is possible, though of course within royal protocol. Wearing the Queen's favorite tiaras is not. Camilla wears jewels the late Queen Mother wore in recent years. Kate has worn two tiaras the Queen Mother loaned to princesses in the past. She will wear one of those tiaras, or possibly another tiara which has not been used recently. All of these jewels technically belong to the Queen. Certain pieces are loaned to other members of the family, including the Countess of Wessex. But the Queen does not loan the tiaras she routinely wears.

My comment above, about the fringe tiara, applies to Queen Alexandra's fringe kokoshnik, which the Queen frequently wears. The other fringe tiara, made from Queen Mary's wedding tiara, was also the wedding tiara of the Queen and Princess Anne. The Queen has worn it only once more, after she inherited it from her mother. Princess Margaret did not wear it for her wedding. I don't think this tiara will be loaned, but it will be available later for Camilla and/or Kate.

While it seems likely that Kate will wear one of the two tiaras she has already used, I was surprised when the papyrus appeared as I associated it with Princess Margaret. So there could be more surprises. I wouldn't even rule out the Cambridge Lover's Knot or one of the fringes, although I suppose it's unlikely.

It may be that Kate only wore the Papyrus because the Cartier was in an exhibit - so I'm betting on the latter but we shall see.

I don't think the queen would loan pieces she wears very frequently but she has loaned out pieces she still does wear. She loaned several necklaces to Diana - and went on to wear them herself. So I hope there are a number of possibilities for Kate - there are some wonderful necklaces that would look amazing on her, which the queen rarely wears.

I don't know all the particulars, but, I think in China, protocols can be very delicate and if Kate doesn't put forth the effort to shine by wearing a new gown and some serious/influential bling, they might take that as a slight of some sort. I too think that she must shine for this one. No playing it like "we are just common people like everyone else" like they sometimes do. They are Senior Royals and this is a State Banquet.

Kate is a Princess, a Duchess, a Countess, a Baroness and a future Queen consort of England and a future King or Queen Mother. She needs to represent that accordingly.

I'm always confused by the term "proper break" as well. Break from what? They are simply changing their scenery. Is it a break from the scenery of the UK? They are just going to be relaxing and sporting in a different part of the world, rather then relaxing and sporting at home.

Maybe they are trying to change the dates of the Mustique holiday so that it's less predictable and thus less likely for the paparazzi to get pictures since right now it's like the paparazzi just know to stake out Mustique in late January for the Cambridges and Middletons. Of course if that's the case, Katie Nicholl really just threw a wrench in that plan haha. Or maybe they are still going to do the January/February trip as well, since it sounds like maybe the entire Middleton family won't be there and this trip may be more just to relax after having a second child, rather than being the actual Middleton family vacation. Or maybe it's just all not true :) Although Katie Nicholl is usually not incorrect in her predictions, I think, and has been rumored to have contacts close to the Middletons. But who knows! I'm sure if they do the trip in November, they will face far more criticism than if they just do the usual Jan/Feb trip (which would allow them to get some engagements in). Especially since William has just started a new job that he won't be working full-time for very long and there may be some questions as to how he can afford to take the time off (along with already having a shortened schedule for royal duties), especially after already being able to take a day off to host his son's birthday party.

If someone wanted to find out venues in advance it wouldn't have to be announced. Those who would really care could just follow the pre-event security teams and know where they were going to be and when. Not to mention any covert information they might have the means to obtain.

Are family order's in place at state banquet? Though i doubt if kate would have got one yet, just interested if this is a chance know if she has a family order or any other order to wear. And i vote for the Papyrus too, can't wait till October :D

A 13,000 pound a week home in Mustique is not that much different than vacation rentals in Hilton Head, SC or other beachfront locations. A house in Hilton Head on the beach rents for $15,000 to $25,000+ a week. The houses usually have numerous bedrooms so cost per individual is cost effective. These are very nice houses also but they do not come with cooks, etc. although that can often be added for extra money.

I think that Claudia mentioned that we should be taking the Cambridges' claims with a pinch of salt and that journalists should be investigating some of the claims made. Well, it seems that they are already asking questions.

Yay a new tiara apparence!! I really hope William and Kate will attend this State Banquet because I need more of Kate and tiara together... And because the couple one day will be king and queen so this could be a great opportunity to learn how run a State Banquet (and the Queen is the best teacher). I'd like to see Kate wearing the Papyrus with a new gown paired with her wedding earring. I' m also excited becuse we could finally see if the Queen has gave Kate an order... She is a bit strict. Anyway there will be Kate wearing a tiara!

If they do the trip in November could we expexting a new official tour in Feb/March? I've heard something regarding a possible tour of the Caribbean, Charlotte do you know something?

I got SO happy when I saw that they will be on the state banquet. I had a hunch but didn't wan't to let myself be sure about it :P But it seems like a very logical step. Even though they haven't increased their working numbers they have really increased the contents of the engagements since marriage, so this is a really good time for it. Especially because of Charles not being the best person to take over after the Queen in reference to diplomatic relations with China. I soooo look forward to October!

Delighted to hear about the Chinese banquet. Wish there were photos of the wedding - I miss the bad old days when Kate was out there dazzling us a wedding guest - and showing off what a wonderful princess she would be - and I always enjoyed looking at the bride too.

Charlotte, I have another of my knacky suggestions which you are free to disregard - I know you have a husband, a career and are more than entitled to have a life outside this blog. But between now and the Chinese banquet, there are bound to be slow times - and I've been thrilled with how much everyone has enjoyed the fashion feature and how many brilliant suggestions we have.

Several of us thought it would be fun to have a poll of the fashions - polls are always popular even with readers who don't comment and we have no tour to have one with this year. But instead of just saying which gown that everyone has selected is our favourite - what if we had a poll about which gown from those the readers have selected should be the one Kate should wear to the Chinese banquet - and which tiara she should wear with it.

To me, this really fits with being a Kate stylist, as the gown she wears to a state banquet would be different then one she might wear to a film premier or to the opening of Parliament - and the gown she chooses must fit with the fact it is a Chinese visit - which might be different from a Canadian P.M. visit or a Danish royal visit.

We know the Chinese first lady always looks great - we know the queen is likely to wear white (or will she? I seem to recall some Chinese issues on white) but I think it might be fun if we decided what look would be best for Kate in a context.

Just a thought you are free to ignore - but even if we don't have a poll - it might be a good, fun and positive topic for discussion.

And I know we got off on the important privacy issue, but everyone look at the clothes in the last posting - they are amazing.

It's up to you, Charlotte since you have to do the work but I can see advantages to letting people pick anew or updating their choices.

1. This would allow those who want to participate but chose daywear - (which was important because part of the idea was changes Kate could make to her "uniform") to have a chance to make choices for an evening event.

2. It would let people choose a tiara and perhaps more jewellery for this event, even if they wanted to keep their original choice of gown - they could just re-submit their link with a tiara choice. Since this is pure tantasy we could let our tiara choices range outside the expected two.

3. It would let those of us who didn't chose a gown with a Chinese attended banquet in mind make another choice if we wanted to. (Personally, I would like to.)

4. It would allow us the interesting idea of whether to add the Queen's order to the gown and if so, should the gown work with that infamous yellow ribbon. I think there is a possibilty that Kate might be given the queen's order for this event. (Which is the yellow ribbon with the queen's portrait in??? It used to be ivory but surely not now with William, but surely not plastic either...maybe enamel."

I think it is unlikely that Kate would be given the Royal Victorian Order - Diana was NEVER given that in a decade of hard royal work - while Camilla was given it before ten years (I hope my disgust is obvious - that order is meant for royal work, not meant for being in bed with Charles.) But both Diana and Camilla got the queen's order after around two years. Diana debuted hers on a tour but since William and Kate aren't featuring formal events on tours, this would seem a good time for it to be awarded and debuted.

So what does everyone think, should we choose new gowns, tiaras and jewels for this event? And how do you feel about the work, Charlotte?

But regardless, we mustn't be disappointed if Kate doesn't choose something as grand as what our international group comes up with. At the end of the day, the choice is hers. Unless Kate doesn't wear a tiara or lets her hair fall in front of a necklace, or wears her "uniform" (just funning!!!!)- then we can be disppointed!

Julia, great idea! Charlotte, I've missed out on the fun style posts, so I love the idea of "outfitting" Kate for the banquet. We've been on vacation the past couple weeks, but I've gone back and read through the posts. Fabulous job Charlotte!

Speaking of royal jewels, I am SO looking forward to seeing what Kate will don for the banquet. **sigh**

It would help if William and Kate had a consistent attitude and policy about pap photographs. When Kate and George were photographed at the Mustique airport or probably St Lucia they explicitly stated the following :

"Royal sources said Kensington Palace had not objected to the pictures – in which the Duchess is groomed and smiling - because they were taken “in a public place, without any harassment or pursuit”."

To me their letter is just another way to try and control their image in the press. They are happy to have the international and domestic press print pictures when it suits them (most likely right after some negative publicity) and not when it does not suit them. I wish they would not be so disengenous as to suggest that it has to do with any sort of security threat. It makes them look too clever, deceptive and frankly entitled.

I do find it a little inconsistent truthfully - is the decision whether it is all right or not whether Kate has her hair brushed? Yes, we know the extemes of stalking are bad but there have been objections to photos taken openly in Kensington Gardens. On a related topic, I'm going to do something unusual and commend a posting by Jane from Berkshire to Buckingham where she expressed unease at the mixing of privacy versus security threats - I agree with this completely which is why I was so unhappy with the implied threat in the letter.

Another thing makes me uneasy. These are indeed troubled times but they are far from the first troubled times - those of us who lived through the Troubles of the Seventies and Eighties where the threat of bombing in public places was very real - know this is the case. At these times, the royals always stood out as beacons for not being afraid - as I quoted elsewhere the tired but useful bromide - "Keep calm and carry on..." Because that's what we all have to do - we can't all afford to holiday on a safe island like Mustique - we may have to go where there is danger - we have to ride the tube, visit museums etc, people take their three year olds to public places - and children - such as at the Boston Marathon, have died.

I always recall the Queen Mum refusing to send the Queen and Margaret away - in her "The children won't leave without me, I won't leave without the king, the king will never leave..." Even thought the princesses were at Windsor - it is easy to imagine what might have happened to them if Brtiain had been invaded. The royals have always been the ones to say - "we aren't going to succumb to fearand our subjects shouldn't either."And here is William succumbing to fear. Yes, it's a small child and certainly George needs to be protected to the full extent Royal Security can. I have no problem with the police saying there is a threat to royals. But I may be terribly old-fashioned but I don't think threats should be discussed in a letter put out by royals. Privacy fine, and there's needs to be some sort of compromise so George can be out in public - just being top-lofty and saying "the press must do the right thing" is not what should be happening.

I just feel this whole letter is very unroyal. I'm fine with people disagreeing with me - this is an extremely tocuhy subject - but this is one perspective.

The photos are not an issue of security. The photos are an issue of privacy. They have security officers to assess threats and if they were threats they would have been taken into custody. I think that letter did a great job of muddling it up to get to people's emotional responses.

And, again, it's the fans who create the market for them. Don't sit here and try to say they don't, because they do. People who aren't interested in the monarchy don't go searching for information on them. CHarlotte has published those photos here because there is demand for them here. If she doesn't, yet links to the site that does have them, she is still fueling the demand. Is everyone telling me you'll be very happy to get no information or photos whatsoever except for a royal event? If that's so, we'll be having nothing but paper doll fashion posts here.

Julia, I have only posted a few comments in the years I've been following this blog, but your paragraph about the King and Queen's loyalty and "not succumbing to fear" brought tears to my eyes."So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10

Kind of sounds like a possible development into the love-hate relationship with the press that Diana had. She loved them when it suited her, and hated them when they didn't. Obviously the paparazi went well overboard at times (I've read that they would cuss at her just to get her to cry) and the most well known incident was of course in Paris and ended up in her death. Still, that was then, this is now. I hope things with the media don't become a whole new generation of drama. That would be disappointing. So far it seems things were going well. Then there's Prince Harry and his request for no photos at Royal Ascot while in the parade ring, according to royal reporter Richard Palmer.

My vote is for the Papyrus tiara; I prefer the height compared to the Halo tiara.

And I find it interesting that Charles will receive the Chinese delegation at Horse Guards Parade and attend the arrival lunch at Buckingham Palace, but not attend the banquet. And I have my theories...lol.

There is a sort of precedent for this "half-in-half-out" protest, as odd as it seems. If I recall correctly, Queen Silvia of Sweden and Madeleine (maybe Rebecca can help me here) boycotted an awards ceremony involving Chuck Berry and a criminal conviction - while other royals including the king attended. Somehow a State Banquet seems a little different. But there is a similarity.

As for saying the British royal family is "different" from European ones, (with an implication they are superior) I say, I disagee.

Regardless or Anglo-European politics, royal families are royal families and if one is doing something better than what the British are doing - I say, learn from that.

I accept the fact that royalty implies some sort of class distinction from commoners - but I am not in favour of intra-royal snobbery in this day and age.

Also, you are right Julia. Big difference though... He was connected with sex crimes with kids or trafficking or something, but the big difference is that he was just a musician and it was just a price.. Charles is boycotting things concerning a whole country and their head of government. In those cases I think he just have to suck it up actually. They are there to smile and NOT to make change, in this case. They are the metaphorical olive branches that the government use and he can't just grow thorns.. I know it must be really hard for him since he is so engaged (and I admire that) but in this case I think it does more bad than good. In that way William is much better. Charles might be smarter and so, but William is not as harmful as Charles has the possibility to be.

I agree with you, Rebecca, I think it is an odd and very questionable decision on the part of Chales - especially when, in theory, he is supposed to be above politics and especially since he has been present with other leaders who have questionable histories - such as in Ireland - and has been extremely friendly with Middle Eastern leaders with dubious records - but I do wonder if the Swedish action didn't give him the idea.

Dalai Lama, Prince of Wales = strange bedfellows, don't cha think? Especially if that would interfere in any way with Britain's International relationships. I question that just as I question Charles decision to frequent Transylvania in the town of his ancestor Dracula.

These Royals, past and present, have kept some strange company and made some sketchy and bizane choices. (Study it out if you aren't familiar with what I am referring. It will take time and diligence to do that though.) We all have our faults but many of those things are off the chart.

So when the little mysteries like William and Kate's train travel and Devon wedding attendance come into play, it can make one really wonder.

The sapphire tiara belongs to a suite of jewels that includes the sapphire necklace the Queen's parents gave her when she married. I doubt if parts of that suite will be loaned during the Queen's lifetime.

Yes, and the tiara itself is made from a necklace the Queen purchased. You may be right in saying the tiara is a possible loan, but there are tiaras of Queen Mary's that I think would be more likely. But so far Kate, like Camilla, has worn the Queen Mother's tiaras. Her jewels, while the property of the Queen now, seem to be earmarked for use in the Wales family.

Maggie - Minneapolis - you raised an interesting point in the last conversation that I wanted to comment on:you make an excellent point about the RPO"s being tasked to stop photographers - that's not what they are hired to do and what the taxpayer pays for. The reality is the Royal Family has always been under threat - which is why they have always had 24 hour security (this latest instance is nothing new). They were never suppose to be used to bother photographers who are legally allowed to photograph in public spaces. There is a real difference between being in a public space and trespassing onto private property. One could make the argument that the royals are misusing their royal protection by asking them to harass photographers. I'm not very familiar with legal proceedings in the UK, but it's an interesting twist and perspective and I wonder if a photographer could make a case about being bullied by police when what he/she is doing is legal. And if so, who would the public side with? Complaining about privacy in public is a uniquely royal thing to do.

I do not like being photographed in public by people I do not know. Twice I have had to ask complete strangers to delete (in front of me) the videos or photos they took of me. So it isn't just a Royal thing.

"Complaining about privacy in public is a uniquely royal thing to do." Phrased this way it does paint royals in an unflattering light, makes them seem a bit foolish really. It is an interesting critique. Although, in my experience many people are turning towards this attitude, one that is very protective over image. I think in the Internet age people are wary - and especially because there are a lot of cruel people out there walking around with mobile phone cameras. But if you are an artist trying to document life with certain expression it is terrifying - some people these days equate public photography to terrorism.

For paparazzi-style photos for the purpose of $$ exchange and gossip, I am not so much interested, but I am extremely interested in the rights of photographers/artists in public, and "being bullied by police when what he/she is doing is legal".

tbh if Will and Kate just hung out casually in public all the time and didn't give a piss, after a month or two any photo of them would produce ~yawning~

Anon 23:00Agree. I am not a fan of all the photographs and internet sharing of people. My husband and I are extremely private over any photos of our children and ourselves. We live in Seattle the home of Microsoft and tons of sophisticated techies and many of our friends are equally cautious over photos of themselves or their kids.

I agree on the issue of photographs and internet sharing. No thank you. :)

Regarding the PPO's.... they are paid to protect the royals. On any given day, it may or may not include dealing with a photographer if/when appropriate. To equate that with a misuse of funds is yet another stretch.

I'm a very private person too, who would never dream of posting photos, and if a real prince - (other than my personal prince, Mr Leo) asked me to marry him, I would have to consider that, because I know it is very much a public position - for a spouse and for the children.

But Kate did have a chance to think about this. She had almost ten years to consider whether this is what she wanted and she made the decision it was - with her eyes open. I saw no reluctance on the part of her family either - and no attempt on their part to live in the shadows as other royal in-laws have done,

William did not have that choice as such. But there is such a thing as renouncing a posiiton. There are royals who have said - "I don't want that." (An heir to the Belgium throne aand his lovely wife just stepped out of the line of succession because apparently, they want a private life.) At the end of the day, whatever a decision is, it's important not to do it half-way.

As for those beach shots - that is a beach where royals have been photographed before - going back to Diana, if not earlier and including William and Kate who were photographed there with Lupo as a puppy.

If Carole was worried about threats, she could have asked security to do a search of the dunes and one thinks they might have done it anyway if there is such a high risk. It is a known spot for photographers.

The timing of those shots - at a time when Charles was releasing pictures of the tree-house pointing to his role as a loving grandfather - seems not quite accidental. But I would be happy to think otherwise.

I agree that those photographs were not accidental, just as the ones of Kate playing with George at the park were not and nor were the ones of Kate departing the plane in Mustique. In the first year of their marriage there were a series of pictures of Middletons and Kate and William on their skiing trip that were so obviously staged that it would be ridiculous to argue otherwise.

I agree that those were not random photographs.Why they are doing it that way, if they are, is a good question.

I do think though that the photo of William and Jecca Craig disembarking (with some of William's buddies) from a private plane en route to the Duke of Westminster's private estate outside of Seville was a huge surprise. I find it even more of a mystery as to why the article and photo just appeared briefly in the news and then were gone.This was when William had reportedly stayed behind to study while Kate and George left for Mustique. That made the article and photo's brief appearance even more questionable. Did anyone read that article and see the photo? The headline was that William was going wild boar hunting with the boys.

Anon 01:58 - Can you tell me what it is about photos of you or your children that is objectionable? I am asking not as an attack but as real curiosity. It is a gut reaction to not like to appear in photos we do not consent to, but I want to get it explained as to why exactly. For instance if your child is in the background of a photo that is clearly about a different "subject", or if someone snaps a photo which includes your child because the light happens to be beautiful, or there is something interesting about what they are wearing, or an expression on their face, etc. I am curious to hear what other people truly object to. Will appreciate if you indulge me. xx

I thought the same thing Rebecca when I watched the video Charlotte made available.

When watching it I was thinking of ways that William and Kate can improve it but not totally disgruntle protocol and history. The music before the toast might be a place to start. Very awkward and even the QUEEN was having a hard time getting through that. Just give the toast already.

Actually, I would love to attend a state banquet - I'm sure the conversation is boringly polite (been there, done that, just without a tiara) the food is old fashioned and the speeches sleep-inducing, but I would be in heaven just looking at all the women's gowns! That would be tremendous fun.

The ice blue gown would be lovely, with a slightly less full skirt and of course a lining. I would love the beige Elie Saab gown that Harper North suggested, lined, along with the papyrus tiara and chandelier earrings. That gown would be lovely with the Queen's personal order and whatever British or Chinese order Kate might be given. Either of those gowns would be very beautiful, without upstaging the Queen or the first lady of China. The Queen does wear full bling, even when entertaining plainly dressed Chinese heads of state, but Kate would need to be diplomatic.

Very true Julia :P But I mean like.. for someone like the Queen, these occations must get so boring sometimes :P I'm not saying I would say no if invited!! :O

This reminded me of a story I heard about one of the Queens ladies in waiting. She was at a banquet and they were served some food on GOLD plates. She said to her neigbour "Ugh, I hate it when they serve it on gold plates. Everything tasted like coal" :P I'm sure she was right but that comment amuses me in how it embodies the Oh my goldthings are too shiny thing:P

Watch the video that Charlotte provided here of the State Banquet, if you will. She proposes a toast and then the band plays and the look on the Queen's face I have never seen before. She DEFINITELY looked VERY bored.

I can understand why Kate would not want to make it to many of these state functions (assuming there is an option to decline). Stuffy, boring, over the top. I bet once is enough. Plus, there will be plenty more when William becomes Prince of Wales and then King eventually.

Hopefully W/K will be able to bring the state banquets into the 21st. century without rumpling history and protocol too much. Even just a little tweaking here and there would be a huge improvement. The Queen has to know change is due.

Honestly, the Queen looked like she was going to lose it during that toast. I have never seen her look like that ever.

Yes, although William and Kate might makes some changes to the state banquet formula - not sure how much lee-way there is.

I just hope they don't go the route of the current French administration and banish long gowns and jewels. That, to me, seems so well...unFrench. (Although French readers are free to tell me I don't know what I'm talking about...")

Julia, :)I agree. I find it incredible that the French did that. (are you sure?????, :) )Let's hope, on second thought, that William, who doesn't seem to like formal attire and bling, NOT be put in charge of any changes. Strike my first comments from the record. :)

Interesting that so many continue to conveniently ignore the fact that William and Kate won't be king and queen when Queen Elizabeth II passes. While Charles's refusal to attend due to China's human rights record is a known fact, it's interesting that he sees no compunction about cozying up to Middle Eastern despots with equally sketchy and equally-widely-publicized human rights practices. I guess you go where the money is, whether you're a prince or a pauper. Despite the fact that Charles, the heir to the throne, won't be in attendance, that doesn't mean William and Kate step up a notch. They're still the heir to the heir to the throne and his wife. Also, you know, the Queen is still queen and I'm fairly sure Kate - and William - understand that Her Maj is not to be be upstaged. I've also read that Kate did not attend the wedding in Cornwall although William was there solo. Since she's got a nanny, one really has to wonder what's up with her. If they undertake a vacation in November and then the annual Middleton Mustique getaway again just 3-4 months later, without either one of them having undertaken any royal duties, well, they're going to need all the PR people they can hire after that. Just a lot of interesting news filtering out of the royal PR and spin machine in fits and spurts.

We have updated the post to reflect the news Kate did not attend the wedding (Rebecca English is positively certain she was not there). Kate was spotted on the train to Devon with William, meaning they may have enjoyed the weekend there but apparently she wasn't at the wedding.

From what we know, Kate was spotted on the train (I've seen several tweets confirming this) but Rebecca English is certain she wasn't at the wedding which makes sense given the lack of photos/chatter on Twitter and of course the lack of any real info on the day in the original DM article.

I find a lot of things about William and Kate odd - especially in the wee hours - when my mind wanders.

There are times when things, such as this absence of Kate at a wedding, her absence at multiple other events - remind me of the vague unease I felt during the Diana years that something was wrong somewhere - I just couldn't put my finger on it, and didn't - along with the press and the rest of the world - want to believe that. There has been times I've thought I've detected a weariness about Kate - that things are more forced than they were at the start and more than I would have expected. But no, I don't want to believe that - and I won't take my ideas further. I would rather talk about gowns.

I kind of understand you Julia. I think Kate actually might be battling anxiety (which would be VERY normal in her position). I reognize some things from myself... Like sometimes having absent eyes even though you can tell she's not absent, and the sometimes "wierd" schedules. I hope it is nothing like that though :/

You are not alone in those thoughts. Not to bring up negative stuff but Kate looked way casual and unpolished when she flew to Mustique by herself with George. At the same time William was on the private estate of the Duke of Westminster with his buddies and Jecca Craig. He had reportedly stayed behind to study. Then when Kate returned to London she wore that huge diamond necklace with the navy blue gown. There is an article in the daily mail listing a number of weddings and events where William was solo. No Kate. Now this train Information and the Devon wedding with Kate appearing and then not appearing. A little like a Sherlock Holmes mystery. There are many other questionable things I have considered but you get the Idea.

Mothers of tiny children can get very tired, Julia! And Prince George, by all accounts, has not been an easy child. I also think there is a tension between Middleton life and royal life. Kate may have had a hard time accepting that she cannot live and raise her children exactly the way she would like. For those who say she had plenty of years to decide, the reality can still be surprisingly hard. I think she has handled it all very well, but I also think she has had to make adjustments. And William continuing in somewhat dangerous work, which takes him away from the family much of the time, is an added source of stress. I think you are simply sensing the growing pains that come with founding a family under very unusual circumstances. I feel William and Catherine will always be close and will always meet their responsibilities, but they will at times need our understanding.

My computer is a funny beastie and I have to post comments on a different medium than the one where I read them - and I've lost the Anonymous remark I'm trying to answer - but here goes.

But Anonymous 5:04 - my hubby would agree with you - he thinks I'm mad to follow the royals at all - and the dogs just snore although if they could talk, they would probably agree.

But I am a bit of an insomniac - and the wee hours are when I have time to visit my favourite royal blogs - here, the hat blog and the jewellery blogs. At a time when my brain was spinning with my own woes and grief - the wedding of William and Kate and the joy it brought, was a huge comfort and distraction to me.

But now I have fewer worries of my own and the leasure to think about royal issues as I look at photos and read comments - and this thought about Kate is something that has flickered through my mind as I've wondered why things are playing out the way they are - and I don't think i'm alone in this.

Is it dangerous - or is it more damaging and dangerous to believe doggedly (no offense to my pups) in a happy myth. That's what we did with Diana - we wanted the fairy tale and refused to believe otherwise and the crash was hard - on Charles and Diana - on the boys and on the public. It would possibly have been better if there hadn't been all that happy hype about the tenth anniversary which seemed to make everything that much worse. And we all wondered how we could have been so naive.

So today, I still enjoy royal watching, but watch with a more cautious eye. Outside of this blog, which is about Kate and similar blogs, I don't discuss such things (in fact, it's hard today to find someone who you can safely talk royal matters with, not like the fun days when we all talked about Diana)

This is a blog about Kate and we discuss everything - the good and bad. But I want no trouble - so I'll settle that Kate is just a pressured young mum and hope very much that's the truth.

Granted it is a blog where everything is discussed about Kate, but it is still an open forum. So when things such as marriage problems are insinuated without concrete knowledge, it becomes dangerous to voice it in an open public forum. Surely some opinions can be kept to oneself sometimes? As it turns out, it appears she was not in Devon at the time of the wedding. All supposition and everyone jumping on the bandwagon with some or other conclusion.

Why is it dangerous to voice an opinion, about events presented to us, in a public forum, Anonymous? Serious question. There's plenty of negative supposition about other royals here on this very blog. I think it's hypocritical to call someone out for saying she wonders if all is perfect in paradise, yet say absolutely nothing about the very pointed commentary on another royal woman . . . . all of that without proof as well. I would hope to see you putting a stop to that if you feel so strongly about negative opinions of people being spoken of on a blog. What's your opinion on that?

I actually wasn't thinking of the Wales' marriage - more along Rebecca's line that Kate might be having some issues adjusting to royal life.

Elsewhere, there was suggestion of post-partum depression - nothing to be ashamed of - but some of the strange inconsistances seemed to come before Kate was pregnant - the announcements for an uptake in engagements that never happened; the announcements for an increase in patronages which, outside of the sailing one, hasn't happened; long and unexpected delays after it was said announcements of plans would be soon made; abrupt changes in those plans; the setting up of a London home said to be for use in engagements - that then didn't happen and seems to have no schedule for happening.

I don't know why these things have happened. It could just be bad communications. Kate may look tired just because she has small children but she doesn't seem to have the sparkle she had in the first year. The changes in plans could be coming from William not Kate.

I don't see anything dangerous about it. Hopefully, there is nothing wrong. That would be good - it's what we all want. Many of us are here - looking to Kate as a future queen. Those of us who once looked that way at Diana, absolutely don't want any problems. That was a terrible personal tragedy, a great damaging event to the monarchy and a great disappointment to the nation.

I don't think the marital issues that where behind so much of the Diana situation are here with Kate. But royal life and the expectations that come with it can be a challange. Look at Masako, the Japanese princess - there have been serious problems but completely different problems than Diana's.

I don't see the relevance of whether or not Kate was in Devon. Whether she was or wasn't, the issue was she has missed a lot of weddings. Some like the Pelly and Northumberland ones seemed understandable - others like the Spencer one and this current one seemed odd because Kate attended a lot of weddings - seemingly very happily, before her marriage and Pippa was at this latest one. Mums with small children go to wedidngs all the time - even if they don't have nannies.

There have been a lot of other very noteable occasions Kate hasn't attended - or that both William and she haven't attended. As we've stated, that could be to draw more attention to Charles and Camilla but this explanation doesn't seem completely satisfactory.

At the end of the day, we don't know but this is a blog about Kate - a serious blog as well as a fashion blog - and what Kate does or doesn't do is one of the subjects discussed.

Anon 01:12 True, but did the Cambridges say that he was studying, or did the press? Maybe he wanted to hunt that year, before George is to old to miss him on a family holiday? Maybe Kate was fully aware that he was going there. And what's up with the world when you can't have friends of the opposite sex? Ok, for all we know the Cambridges could have a super fake marriage and a string of lovers but since we have no proof of that, why not give them the benefit of a doubt?

Why is it "odd". Kate is only a little over 3 months post post partum. If she is still breast feeding being away for the weekend may not have worked for their schedules. She now has 2 children to care for. Yes she has a nanny, but she can't brest feed the baby.

I almost expect that Kate will surprise us one day by wearing the Lovers Knot Tiara. Maybe not now but I have a feeling the day will come. Who else, except Princess Charlotte in the far future would be be able to wear this iconic piece? Possibly only the woman who also wears Diana's engagement ring. I would like to see that happening. Perhaps once she becomes Princess of Wales. And I almost expect her not to wear any tiara at all should she attend the state banquet. I can see her choosing something more modest like diamond pins or brooches in her dark hair. Something with the message: My styling is spot on and appropriate for the occasion but I am not really wearing one of those tiaras because it's just not me - yet. Charlene of Monaco is possibly a bit like that. I have the feeling she escapes tiara moments wherever she can.

Tell that to Charlene of Monaco. She arrived and Madeleines wedding without tiara or anything in her hair.

But I don't think Kate has anything against tiaras. She's just not a bling girl, she's rather simple but she will wear what's appropriate. Maybe not go all Queen mary, but she will wear real pieces and probably something from the vault. Just as we see on her at that diplomatic reception. Kate is alot of things, but she's always appropriate.

The Chinese Head of State wears a business suit to state banquets, and his wife wears a nice but fairly plain dress. Nevertheless, the Queen so far has worn full state attire for Chinese banquets. We'll see if she does this time, but it would be a break in tradition if she did not.

Alright, alright - a tiara it is : )I have not the slightest doubt that Kate's look will be absolutely appropriate and beautiful.LOL ... 'not go all Queen Mary' very nice Rebecca .... love the mental image.Well yes, can't wait.

Camilla has settled on the Queen Mother's Greville tiara for state occasions, and she very occasionally wears her own family's pretty tiara for somewhat less formal events. The Queen has in recent years worn two or three diamond tiaras almost to the exclusion of her tiaras with colored stones. I think there is some concern here about the financial times, and the royal ladies have chosen to limit the number of tiaras they wear. The Princess Royal has always worn two tiaras, one from each of her grandmothers, and loaned one each to her daughter and daughter in law for their weddings. The Countess of Wessex, who attends royal weddings and other major royal events on the Continent, wears her historic wedding tiara and two aquamarine tiaras, one of which is or was the Queen's. My hunch is that Kate will continue to wear the papyrus tiara for state events for the time being. She might also wear her wedding tiara, but some royal women do not wear a wedding tiara again. The Queen has worn hers only once in recent years, after she inherited it from her mother. It is the traditional wedding tiara for brides of royal blood; Queen Mary wore its forerunner and Princess Anne wore it for her wedding. We'll see whether Kate wears the Halo again.

I am going to google tiaras that the Queen hasn't worn for awhile to see if there are any good options for Kate. If it had been me, I would have had all the tiaras catalogued in my mind the first year of marriage. Shallow princess, lol.

This is true but Diana wore her family tiara to her wedding, and went on wearing it often. So I don't think there is a hard and fast rule - and it could be the only reason Kate didn't wear the Cartier is because it was out on loan. It will be fun and interesting to see what tiara she does wear - and I think there will be one. Even Letizia, who tends to be low-key, pulls out tiaras for state occasions. Charlene is the only exception.

Hooray! I am very excited for tiara time. There are so many amazing choices for tiaras, it's hard to pick what I'd like to see on her. This early on, I'd love to see Kate in one of the flowery Victorian-era tiaras. Even the Victorian star tiara would be gorgeous on her. Someday, I'd love to see her wear the Lovers' Knot tiara. It's too soon right now, but someday. Cheers! :)

Regarding the possible November holiday - I seem to recall that Cat and Will take a short break-away before they go on tour. I can't remember the details: before the trip to Canada they were on honeymoon and before the trip to SE Asia, they took that break in France when "those" photos were taken. I can' remember where they holidayed before the Australian tour bur I do recall them taking a break. So happy days, if the holiday at Mustique takes place, there may be a tour early in 2016 :)

TIARA TIME!!!! Looking forward to seeing what Kate will wear! I took a double take when Charlotte mentioned William and Kate being married 5 years this coming spring. Wow....seems like yesterday we heard the engagement announcement. I think it's a great time for them to join the Queen for a State Banquet. Really looking forward to upcoming posts leading up to the event!

It seems a bit strange that Kate did not attend the wedding with William if they traveled by train together, especially if Pippa was in attendance. Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall sometimes? Maybe a little getaway to Mustique would be good!

Why does ther have to be an "issue". It is only 3 months since she had Charlotte. For her to go overnight with out Charlotte was probably not an option and to take a 3 month old baby across the country may not have been an optimal solution. I really think the "issue" has more to do with a reporter spinning a ridiculous story to try to cause trouble for a couple that just asked for privacy..

Yes I agree LOL. It is even more odd that it apparently Pippa and William attended when the seating chart showed William and Catherine Wales. Perhaps Charlotte or George were under the weather ? I can imagine that would make her skip it.

It does kind of make me sad that William didn't attend anything for the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. Even if he wasn't invited, he should have been able to say "I like to attend and pay my respects." I mean he is a solider and will be the head of the armed forces one day. I think he should have done something. It doesn't feel right. If he can go to a wedding, he can attend an event in honor of those who died.

I have to say, I don't like it how people are saying that W&K will have plenty of time for public duties. I mean the Queen and the Duke are old. Even the Duke said he wants to slow down in an interview for his 90th birthday. For those who say that the if the Queen wanted W&K to do more, than she'll say so. Well, the Queen is actually known for turning a blind eye to her family's problems (ie: Diana/Charles, Sarah/Andrew) hoping that they will learn their mistakes and turn it around. William said in a recent interview that his grandmother is still alive and therefore he doesn't need to work more on his royal duties. I think that's wrong because he shouldn't take that for granted. He should learn everything he can from his grandmother now so when its his turn he'll be ready. Yes, he is not the heir, but its better for him to prepare for it when he becomes PoW because then he can't hide behind anything.

Someone mentioned in another blog that William should concentrate more on building diplomatic relations with foreign officials, something that would really be useful to him when its his time. Harry has left the military to focus on royal duties and I think William needs to do the same. In fact its strange how Harry, who most likely won't be king, retires from the military to focus on royal duties, and William (the heir to the heir) is still in the military and won't focus more on royal duties.

And if this vacation in November turns out to be true, their PR people better be armed and ready. I guarantee there is going to be some major backlash. Especially if W/K don't do many public engagements until then.

I agree with most of what you say, Anonymous. I think Charlotte said some autumn engagements will be announced and if they're true to form there'll be a flurry before they leave in November.

I am sort of with you on William; however, if it's true he's working a full time schedule now and winding down to make time for royal duties perhaps he doesn't have time for everything. Do I really believe that? No, not really. But I suppose it's a possibility. :)

I agree Anon, I've been watching W & K for awhile now, and I have always liked them, they seem like nice people who want to do well in their position, but increasingly they seem more out of touch with reality...maybe it's having 2 kids and being short on sleep? Hard to say of course.

I agree with you too Anon - I would have particularly liked to see William and Kate at the 70th anniversary - I was glad William attended the Battle of Britain. I would like to draw young people's attention to these events - and not just have them seen as something for old fogies relating to the distant past and unconnected with today's life - but that's the way life goes.

At least William and Kate attended WWI events last year. I was very pleased about that.

Julia from Leominster - great suggestion about providing the opportunity to style Kate again for the state banquet.

Charlotte - I would like it if we could choose new dresses/styles. If someone who posted a previous gown feels strongly it would be perfect for this occasion, they can always provide it again in that post.

My only request as an America and fairly new royal watcher, would be to also provide some guidelines for what is appropriate/not appropriate for a state banquet. I am not sure what the etiquette is for that type of function so having the info would help with my selections.

For all of us, I think that would be a great blog subject. Must gloves be worn? It seems to me some of the younger royals haven't worn gloves. Are there other protocol requirements? I would love to know.

And no one can outshine the queen - she is an icon who stands alone, no matter how dashing a gown Kate might wear or how many feathers are in Camilla's hat or how tight Sophie's Easter suit was. There is an element of reassurance in seeing the queen - that is like nothing else - at least for me.

Thank you for clearing up the tweets about W&K train journeys. They don't say which trains they were on but I wonder whether they travelled down to London to see their staff to discuss what action to take regarding the harassment and stalking of Prince George as the letter was published on the Friday morning when they were once again spotted possibly returning to Norfolk. I know this is speculation but it could be the explanation.At least we know she did not go to Devon but I must admit it does concern me the number of times William now goes on his own to so many social functions. I think she is very unwise not going with him.I certainly get the impression that she is not the same happy girl she was before George was born she has appeared to cope well with her role within the Royal Family and still did up to the time Charlotte was born and hopefully will once again when she resumes Royal Duties but I wonder whether the fact that clearly things have not worked out with their move to Norfolk in the hope that George & Charlotte would have a freer life than in London and not have to stay behind closed doors for a safe life. I remember that in the interview on her engagement she said that she hoped any children they had would have the same happy life as she had. Unfortunately she will now have realised that sadly they will not have the happy childhood she experienced that will have come very hard to her and may well be affecting her a bit. In no way could they have expected the severe intrusion into their daily lives they have had to date in Norfolk, when even their friends with children visiting them have expressed concern about their children being photographed when they arrive at the Anmer.I hope the story is right that they will be attending the State Banquet in October I realise it is from a reputable source so I keep my fingers crossed.I think William should go on holiday as they did to the Maldives without children and the Middletons hanging on or just the Cambridge family with the Nanny to give a hand it is more than time that Carole & Pippa left William & Kate to get on with family life and not interfere so much. Both Carole & Pippa are clearly very strong confident people and need to step back and Kate needs to show a bit of strength of character and be more decisive.I do agree with those who do not think that William has done the right thing joining the Air Ambulance he appears to be a self centred individual although I think it was also done to enable the family to live at Anmer for reasons that have not materialised but his grandparents are very elderly and his Father works extremely hard already and will have to do more W&K should now be more involved learning all that is involved Harry has had a far better and thoughtful approach I am not impressed with William either as a loving faithful husband or as a Royal

The Queen was accompanied at the VJ service by the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. I like that. If the Cambridges had attended, the story would have been about what Kate wore rather than about the service. Prince Charles and his wife were at a different commemoration with the prime minister. At both events, elderly veterans were honored. One should also note that the Queen and Prince Philip are veterans of WWII. He was on a ship in Tokyo Bay when General MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender. The focus very rightly was on them and on the attending veterans.

Kate could have worn a repeat outfit. At some point the "Kate would draw too much attention" (when in fact she would have brought a lot of favourable attention, especially to the young who don't feel much connection to such events) must stop being an excuse. If she attended more, the attention would soon be less. When she did attend events connected with WWI there was very good attention focused on the event. It brought a massive amount of attention to the poppy sales.

It's sad and unfortunate but there will always be rabid interest in royal and celebrity children. While I understand their plight and the purpose for their letter, I don't believe it will deter many paparazzi, there will always be a sell where these children are involved. It's long been an issue and here in the U.S., it's been taken to court quite a few times. Some of these paparazzi will simply pay the fine or deal with the consequences, take a few weeks/months off and then be back to their same old tricks.

I do think there is also a desire to see a more relaxed side of the royals or celebrities. Many times, it's official outings or events where photos are released and the paparazzi shots are of the normal, everyday, mundane activities. Perhaps in their quest to provide more photo opportunities, they can spend the day playing and going about the "normal" activities similar to play photos at the polo match. This will not alleviate the problem but may provide a reprieve from some of the intrusiveness.

I'm not sure but in the past weren't there photo calls of Prince William in a garden with his parents and Prince William and Prince Harry as small children in their playroom? I think they were both for interviews but just the same, it was at play and being "normal". More informal photos similar to Prince George's 1st Birthday with the butterflies and Prince George's 2nd leaning towards the camera from his father's arms.

While I do understand there is protocol and expectation, I do think with the changing times, it's important to realize that the days of formal portraits are fading away. Many people want to connect and believe that celebrities and royals are just like us and that can't happen if they don't act like us.

On the other topic, I've been a fan of the Halo tiara since the wedding. I did not care for the glimpse we got of the Papyrus tiara at its last outing. My hope is that if the Duchess does not wear the Halo tiara that perhaps the Queen will loan her one that has not seen the light of day in awhile. Though not appropriate for this event, I hope to one day see the Cambridge Lovers Knot tiara again, perhaps by the Duchess or the lucky lady to win Prince Harry's heart.

Another tiara that hasn't been worn in awhile would be so exciting. (For us AND the tiara lol) there would be so many to choose from. As much as I love tiaras, the Halo and Papyrus are not my favorites.

Love the blog and all the diverse opinions. Those photographs....... and the letter. perhaps there has been a near miss with a photographer being mistaken for something more sinister. Those beach photographs would have been taken with a big lens from a long way off. At that distance hard to tell if it is a staked out photographer or gunman. I thougt that might have been one reason for the format of the letter - to let the photographers know that their actvities are personally dangerous. Imagine the uproar on two fronts either if a photographer is hurt or if one of the royals is hurt because it was thought a gunman was a photographer, always remembering that there are just seconds for the protection officers to make a call either way.

I'm sorry but do they really need a proper break in Novrmber? They've pretty much had a proper break all summer, and August has seen no activity workwise. An entire month or more and yet they need another break in a few months?

Oh I would take the break. I love holidays with my husband and children before we are old. I had a Mother and Father who died quite young and I do not begrudge anyone taking some time to spend with family. If the UK public is unhappy with the work the Royal Family does they can cut out the funds. :) I suspect the Royal Family would do just fine...and still be able to take holidays:):)

Everyone should read this article especially those who thought it was okay for police to shoot at the press And to everyone who got hysterical over someone getting their picture taken needs to calm downIf will and Kate don't like it they should give up their fancy houses and money and remove themselves from succession I'm sick of the press being railroaded and I was appalled by many royal bloggers applauding the fact that these privileged people are threatening to shoot.photographers because they might threaten the royal familyFreedom of the press is important don't forget it

You know, from what I have read about gifts of Jewelry to Royals and people like Jacqueline Kennedy, I have to believe that Kate has also received a lot of Jewelry that we have yet to see. Perhaps she will wear some of that at the banquet. I would love to see a tiara designed just for her. Maybe she has one by now, perhaps to commemorate the birth of her two children.

Someone mentioned up thread that Kate may be dealing with anxiety. It's possible she might have some postpartum depression. I had a bad case of it with my first child. It requires medication to emerge from it, and it took me 3 different kinds of pills before the last one finally worked. That could explain some of her absences lately, just a theory.

She seemed fine at Wimbledon, Portsmouth, St. Mary's Church, etc. She also recovered almost miraculously both times from the reported HG.She has plenty of help with the children to go to the weddings. There is a reason. We just haven't perhaps found it yet. People are starting to notice the absences. Their PR team is lacking in these areas. Like not advising Kate to refrain from shopping when she chose not to attend the wedding that time. I hope the best for them though. I really do.

I too am excited to see William and Kate attend a state banquet. I am most interested to see if Kate has been given the royal family order yet? This will be the first chance for it to be worn if she has. I know the queen is fairly frugal in giving them out but Kate has produced an heir and a spare.

I have a dream that the private party that gave Kate the beautiful emerald and diamond necklace and bracelet that she wore in Washington, also gave her an even more beautiful diamond/emerald necklace and tiara that she has been waiting for the perfect moment to wear.I'm i

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